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Could You Live With a Nude?

Call me a prude, but I can’t believe that I am the only one. I spied this painting at Ruth & Ollie last week

and have been obsessing over it ever since. Painted by local artist Chris Shands, the colors and composition simply take my breath away. And at $800, this 36” x 24” nude is a real steal. Notwithstanding my visceral reaction and the great price, I just don’t think I can actually purchase it.

I caught up with Chris the other day to discuss this latest series of works. She told me that mothers of daughters have no problem with the idea of purchasing a nude, but when a mom has a son, the outlook differs. I confirmed that my hesitation definitely has to do with my 19-year-old son. Though we experienced Art History 101 together last year in Italy viewing innumerable nudes along the way, I have no desire to engage in a conversation with him about a piece of purchased art.

My daughter and I are working together with Mary Kathryn Woodward to design her future living space, and the colors in Chris’s series of nudes would suit our planned style perfectly. (You can follow along with our inspiration and picks on The Gracious Posse’s Pied-à-Terre Pinterest page.) I hesitate to pull out the credit card, though, because I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about the occupants. Am I being ridiculous?

I asked Chris about the models for her paintings. She confided that she had never actually painted someone in the nude. Lycra-clad friends and family members have been her subjects. In fact the large painting that I adore was inspired by a very old photo of a family member wearing a one-piece bathing suit. Chris has mastered the art of showing the form of the body without regard for clothing.

As we talked, I recalled a Figure Sculpting class that I took with Lisa Fisher Johnson a few years ago. We did indeed have live nude models, but their nudity was hardly the point of the class. We were learning about the form and shape of different parts of the body and were too concerned with molding the clay properly to give the nakedness a second thought. Throughout the ages, most classically trained artists have studied anatomy with nudes in order to create their own depictions of the human body: it’s not only necessary for them but natural.

So does the artistic tradition and Chris’s observations sway me? Chris herself pictures my favorite hanging in a lovely bathroom, maybe on top of turquoise walls. A bedroom would work as well. Because the art covers wall real estate, the decision actually comes down to location.

For now, though, our pied-à-terre needs art in the public spaces. Would you hang a nude like one of Chris’s beauties in a foyer or living room? She and I would really love to know what you think.

June 11, 2015

p.s. All of the framed works above are available at Ruth & Ollie (unless they have sold since June 9th) for $300 and are 8¼” x 10¼”.

Chris’s nude are really beautiful and her work is new to me. As I am sure you know I paint nudes too. I grew up with them hanging in living rooms, stairwells,bedrooms and really anywhere. We hang ours in prominent locations. I think I just feel that the naked part is not the point. I am painting them and enjoying them because the lines and form of the body in certain poses are beautiful. The curves and light and shadow are so interesting to me. It does help with any awkward moments amongst family when there is a bit of abstraction or lack of detail.
I say buy the painting and enjoy it’s beauty without regard to the nakedness.

I would hang Chris’ art nude or otherwise anywhere!! I have several of her pieces and hope to add to the collection. I am excited about this new turn she is taking with her work. The figures are lovely. I will be givin Ruth and Ollie’s a buzz!

Chris is a talented artist and her work is attractive and sensuous. The beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder….we appreciate the female figure and draw the line when art is graphic and/or disturbing in any way. We were members of The Collector’s Circle at the VMFA for many years and we learned to not buy any piece of art unless we both loved it. So, if you truly love it, buy it and enjoy with out regrets, but if you’re not sure then don’t. Good luck and thanks, as always, for supporting local artists!! Love and Peace! xoxo

i would not hesitate to hang one of these beautiful pieces of art anywhere. i too studied art, took many figure drawing classes. some nude paintings i truly appreciate but would not be comfortable having in my living spaces, these are softened and winsome, elegant, natural. if i saw one in an interior, i would think that owner was enlightened, educated and had wonderful taste in art.

Buy the painting! If you have found a piece of art capable of taking your breath away then enjoy the pleasure of living with it. I love the piece you’re obsessed with….the colors, the pose and the ephemeral feel of the painting are all stunning. This is not a nude to hesitate about if you’ve never owned one…..it’s not even graphic. A beautiful piece. Doesn’t need to be tucked away in a bath or bedroom either. Now you have to let us all know your decision….

8 months agoby thegraciousposseCelebrate Flag Day today! Seeing the Stars and Stripes flying over Utah Beach in Normandy along side the French Flag fills me with a spirit of thankfulness for our great nation. #starsandstripes#utahbeach